The Saints are shoring up their defense. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter), safety Johnathan Abram is planning to sign with the Saints. Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweets that defensive tackle Malcolm Roach is planning to re-sign with the Saints.
After missing most of his rookie season, Abram showed some of his first-round pedigree in 2020 and 2021. After finishing with 86 tackles in 13 starts in 2020, he collected 116 tackles with the Raiders in 2021. After having his fifth-year option declined last offseason, Abram was let go after starting six of his eight appearances for Las Vegas. He had a brief stint in Green Bay before ending the campaign with the Seahawks.
Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams will continue to lead the safeties depth chart, with the Saints also retaining Ryan Neal and signing former Giants defensive back Julian Love. Abram will have to fight for every snap in that secondary, but at the very least, he should be able to contribute on special teams.
Roach has spent his entire three-year career in New Orleans. He had his most productive season in 2022, finishing with 26 tackles and one sack in 13 games (three starts). ESPN’s Katherine Terrell tweets that Roach is inking a one-year deal with the Saints.